Accessible water sports pontoon for Wimmera River

Works to install an accessible water sports pontoon on the river in Horsham will start next week.

The pontoon is being installed at the eastern end of Baillie Street adjacent to the helipad area of the Wimmera River.

It will provide safe and easy access to the water, support outdoor education programs and greater recreation and connectivity for local residents.

Director Communities and Place Kevin O’Brien said the site was identified after consultation with existing and potential user groups.

“The eastern end of Baillie Street provides a quiet spot to enter the water with a large lagoon of calm water in the vicinity. Parking is available in the area and the precinct and it is the preferred location of our local schools,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The project is the first stage of other developments being planned for the eastern section of the Wimmera River.”

An example of a similar pontoon at Dimboola.

Mr O’Brien said the pontoon supported Council’s goal of developing the municipality as a desirable place to live, work and enjoy for people of all ages and abilities.

“The accessible water craft pontoon encourages people of different ages, skills and abilities to enter the water, and to participate in water craft activity. The pontoon will incorporate a wheelchair access platform, allowing a person easy and stable access to their water craft.

“It will be able to accommodate approximately 10 people, meaning carers, companions and multiple users can access the pontoon at the same time,” he said.

The $80,000 project is being jointly funded by HRCC ($30,000), Wimmera Catchment Management Authority ($30,000) and the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Grants Programme ($20,000).

Landscaping of the area will be completed as part of the project including the construction of a pathway from the helipad to the pontoon.

Works will start Monday June 1, 2020 and are expected to be completed by 22 June 2020.

Contractors will work between 7.30am and 5pm during the installation and there may be additional noise and heavy vehicle movement in and around the site.

The helipad and surrounding car park will not be impacted during the works period, though pedestrian and cyclist access will be restricted.

/Public Release. View in full here.